Ruling in Stalin libel case

The dictator’s grandson loses his libel case.

Moscow, Russia (WiredPRNews.com) – The grandson of Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin has lost a libel case involving allegations against his late grandfather. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), a Russian court ruled against Yevgeny Dzhugashvili in regards to his allegations that the newspaper Novaya Gazeta hurt Stalin’s reputation with claims made in an article written earlier this year.

Anatoly Yablokov, who authored the article and was co-defendant in the case, is quoted by the AP as stating of the outcome, “What should have happened, happened… It’s a decision based on the law.”

As noted in the report, Stalin’s grandson was not present at the trial. He reportedly previously demanded that a retraction be published of the article and an apology be made publicly in addition to requesting monetary compensation. He can appeal Tuesday’s decision within five days.